Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Attacking Centrally

Center forward/CM attacking (20 mins)

Purpose: To improve the ability of forwards and CAMs to hold the ball, support play from midfielders, and finish.

Organization: Half field, two corner flags at the intersection of the midline and touch line and four cones at the center circle/ center middle third. Start with a pass from the wide player to a center forward/CM who controls the ball and returns it to the wide player. Wide player then dribbles into the box and passes/crosses to the forwards who are attacking the goal. Important for the central player who passes outside to the midfielder to lag back behind the attack so that she may clean up any errant balls and provide support to the 3 attacking players.

Progression: 1) Make different passes into the forwards. 2) Ask Forwards to make different movements. 3) Add defenders. 4) Progress into a small side game (6v4).

CPs: Weight of passes, 2) Accuracy of passes, 3) Receiving ball/1st touch 4) Delivery of crosses/passes from the outside, 5) Finishing (power and finesse

6v5 quick transistions (20 mins)

6 players enter playing area with a ball, challenging 5 players from the other team. 3rd team waits on the end line. If ball crosses the sideline/touch line, first player to retrieve the ball wins possession and restarts play with a throw-in. If ball crosses a goal line, the team defending that goal sprint off and are replaced by a 3rd team. New players coming on always start with the ball.

Coaching objectives: Look for players to recognize numbers-up versus numbers-down situations, and choose between counter-attacking and build-up play accordingly. Team entering field of play: focus on avoiding high-risk play in front of their own goal, and find ways to play the ball forward quickly.